Thinking about Ordinary Differential Equations

This book stresses alternative examples and analyses of finding solutions to ordinary differential equations.

Robert E. O'Malley, Jr (Author)

9780521553148, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 13 January 1997

260 pages, 29 b/w illus. 136 exercises
23.6 x 16 x 2 cm, 0.525 kg

'To a significant extent the appeal for this book lies in the wealth of examples and solutions that have been selected more for further understanding than for drill. Through the process of review, I have discovered several mathematical developments that I would like to incorporate in my graduate level fluid mechanics and mathematics courses. I am sure other readers will come away with similar rewards from reading this delightful text.' P Weideman, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado

Ordinary differential equations - the building blocks of mathematical modelling - are also key elements of disciplines as diverse as engineering and economics. While mastery of these equations is essential, adhering to any one method of solving them is not: this book stresses alternative examples and analyses by means of which the student can build an understanding of a number of approaches to finding solutions and understanding their behaviour. This book offers not only an applied perspective for the student learning to solve differential equations, but also the challenge to apply these analytical tools in the context of singular perturbations, which arises in many areas of application. An important resource for the advanced undergradute, this book would be equally useful for the beginning graduate student investigating further approaches to these essential equations.

1. First-order equations
2. Linear second-order equations
3. Power series solutions and special functions
4. Systems of linear differential equations
5. Stability concepts
6. Singular perturbation methods
General references
Index.

Subject Areas: Differential calculus & equations [PBKJ]